Lock actuator and door pull



Feb. 13,1968 I c. L. EADS 3,368,374

LOCK ACTUATOR AND DOOR PULL Filed March 9, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet P Charles L. Fools,

INVENTOR.

Vi/ANN a MMAN/GAL ,4/ "My: for A a Jinan Mzau United States Patent 3,363,374 LQQK ACTUATOR AND DOOR PULL Charles L. Eads, Palm Springs, Calif assignor to Adams Rite Manufacturing Company, Glendale, (Ialifi, a corporation of California Filed Mar. 29, 1965, Ser. No. 443,300 6 tClaims. (Cl. 70-100) ABSTRACT OF THE DHSCLGSURE An improved actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between the side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, with the actuator mechanism mounted on a stile in association with a door pull which is a separate part of the mounting thereby permitting various designs of pulls to be provided which may be replaced without necessitating the removal of the entire actuating mechanism.

The present invention relates generally to lock and latching mechanisms such as utilized in sliding doors, and the like; and is more particularly concerned with improved actuator means for doors having narrow stile frames, wherein the actuator mechanism can be supported on an outer surface of a frame stile in association with a manually operable door pull.

Heretofore, it has been conventional practice to build the lock operating mechanism and door pull as an integral unit. Such construction lacked flexibility with respect to design variations, and in order to utilize door pulls of different designs and configurations, it became necessary to provide an entire assembly or a new unit. Such procedure was therefore unsatisfactory and expensive.

Having the inherent disadvantages of present structural arrangements in mind, it is one object of the present invention to provide the lock operating mechanism and door pull as separate associated combinable parts, and wherein the pull structure additionally serves as a removable part of the housing for the lock actuator. Thus, pulls of different and varied design may be provided without having to replace the entire actuating mechanism.

A further object of the invention as described herein is to provide improved lock actuating mechanism in the form of a unit assembly which is mountable on a side face of a narrow stile door frame with a minimum of installation alteration of the frame, which alterations can be achieved by the use of simple tools such as drills, and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lock actuating mechanism wherein the door pull structure cooperates with improved means for locating and retaining a key operable cylinder lock unit in its operative position.

Still another object is to provide as an article of manufacture, a locating and retaining mounting bracket for the housing of a key-controlled lock actuating unit, the bracket being arranged in such a manner as to be clampingly mounted by the cooperative association of a door pull member and door frame upon which the pull member is secured.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of one side of a narrow stile door frame showing a door pull and lock actuator mechanism according to the present invention mounted thereon;

3,358,374 Patented Felt). l3, 1%68 'ice FIG. 2 is a similar view as seen from the opposite side of the narrow stile door frame;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the door frame, taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged edge view as seen from line 44 of FIG. 2, portions being cut away and sectioned to indicate cooperative relationship and operation of associated parts;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the key cylinder locator and retainer as utilized in the present invention.

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the door pull and associated actuators for the lock mechanism according to the present invention are shown as being applied to a narrow stile door frame 10 of a sliding door, the frame being extruded or otherwise formed of aluminum or other suitable metal of tubular construction so as to have spaced side walls 11 and 12 which are interconnected by a common edge wall 13.

A locking mechanism unit, as generally indicated at 14, is mounted within the door frame. This unit may comprise any one of a number of commercially available devices and in the present instance is disclosed as comprising a separate casing 15 adapted to be mounted within an opening 16 formed in the edge wall 13 of the door frame. This casing contains the parts of the lock mechanism and has an edge opening 17 through which a locking member or element 18 is movable to an extended locking position as shown in the several views, or to a retracted unlocked position within the casing 15. Movement of the locking element is effected by means of a rotatable actuating member 19 which extends through a side opening of the casing 15 of the locking unit, and also contains a longitudinally extending rectangular bore 20.

In its broad concept, the present invention proposes to provide actuating mechanisms for selectively motivating the actuating member it? from opposite sides of the door frame respectively as indicated at 21 and 22, and having associated door pulls 23 and 24.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuating mechanism 21 comprises an elongate housing 25 in the form of a channel member having a bottom wall 26 and side walls 27 and 28. This housing is mounted on the outer surface of side wall 11 of the door frame with its open side outermost.

An elongate slide 29 is formed from a flat plate and supported between its ends upon spaced apart ribs 39 and 31 which are placed on opposite sides of a bottom wall opening 32. These ribs extend upwardly from the bottom wall and interconnect the housing sides 27 and 28. The upper surface of each rib is provided with a projection 33 which is guidingly received into an axial extending slot 34 of the slide. A pushnut 35 retains the slide in operable relation with the upper surface of the associated rib which thus forms a support for the slide and permits reciprocable movement thereof within the limits of the slot 34. The opposite ends of the slide are respectively provided with an end cap 36 which projects beyond the adjacent end of the housing. These end caps thus form digitally engageable members by means of which the slide can be selectively moved in opposite directions to provide a linear motion thereof.

Movement of the slide 29 is transmitted to the actuating member 19 of the lock by means of an L-shaped spindle 37 having an elongate shank 38 which axially extends into the bore 20 of the actuating member 19. A right-angled end portion 39 of the spindle carries a crank pin 40 which is slidingly received in a transversely extending slot 41 of the slide. With this arrangement, the linear motion of the slide is converted to rotary motion of the actuating m mber 19 which in turn actuates the locking element 18 to locked and unlocked positions. The shank 38 of the spindle extends through the bottom wall opening 32 which is in registration with a suitable opening formed in the side wall 11 of the door frame.

The housing is secured in operative position by means of securing screws 424l2 respectively arranged to extend through a transversely extending series of openings 43 at each end of the housing which permit lateral adjustment of the housing with respect to the associated door frame. The head of each screw 42 is accessible through an adjacent transverse slot or opening 44 provided in the slide. The threaded ends of the screws 4242 are arranged to threadedly engage internally threaded post projections 45 formed on the door pull 24, whereby the two actuating mechanisms on opposite sides of the door frame are re tained in secured operative positions.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of removable door pulls which may assume a variety of configurations and designs which may be interchanged and selected without having to replace or alter the actual actuating mechanisms. In the case of actuating mechanism 21, the door pull as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 constitutes in addition a cover 46 for the housing 25. The cover is in this case formed as an inverted channel having a bottom wall 47 and side walls 48 and 49 which are provided in each case with an inwardly directed edge flange 50 having sliding engagement in an associated longitudinally extending groove 51 along each side of the bottom wall 26 of the housing to permit endwise sliding removal of the cover from the housing when it is desired to remove or replace the same. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 48 has been extended and fabricated as a T-shaped portion which forms in this case the interior door pull 23.

The actuating mechanism 22 on the exterior side of the door frame is shown as being in this case of substantially flat plate construction having a finger receiving opening 52 therein. Since this door pull is on the exterior of the door, it is provided with a key controlled mechanism which includes a rotatable lock cylinder 53 having an associated radially extending tumbler housing portion 54 of conventional construction. As shown in FIG. 4, the key receiving end of the lock cylinder 53 is accessible through an opening 55 provided in the pull member.

As a feature of the invention, unique means are provided for locating and retaining the lock cylinder and associated tumbler housing in operating position without the necessity of tool operated elements such as screws and the like. For such purpose, as shown in FIG. 6, a locator bracket as generally indicated by the numeral 56 is provided, this bracket having a plate portion 57 of substantially rectangular configuration. This plate portion is provided with an opening composed of a cylindrical portion 58 adapted to receive endwise therein the lock cylinder 53, and a radially extending portion 59 conforming to the shape of the tumbler housing 54 and adapted to receive this housing endwise therein. The extent of insertion of the key cylinder and tumbler housing is limited by a U- shaped stirrup 60 having a bridging bottom portion 61 and side leg portions 62 and 63 with their ends respectively welded or otherwise secured at the sides of the radial opening portion 59. These leg portions also operate to retain the lock cylinder and tumbler housing against rotation.

To mount the assembled locator bracket and key controlled lock structure in position, the key cylinder and tumbler housing are inserted in position and the bracket is then placed on the outer surface of side wall 12 of the door frame with the lock parts projecting inwardly through an appropriate opening 64 therein. The plate portion 57 is seated within a recess 65 of the adjacent surface of the associated door pull, As thus arranged, the plate portion d 57 is clampingly engaged between the door pull and the adjacent side wall of the door frame.

The key controlled mechanism is operatively connected by means of an elongate spindle 66, one end of this spindle being rotatable with the lock cylinder, while the other end of the spindle is seated within an axially extending bore 67 which is formed within the hub portion of a crank arm structure 68. This crank arm carries a crank pin 69 which is slidably received within a transversely extending slot 70 formed in the slide 29. As thus arranged, rotation of the lock cylinder 53 by means of an appropriate key will actuate the crank arm structure 68 in such a way as to transfer its rotary motion into linear motion of the slide 29 which will be effective in the same manner as previously explained to actuate the locking element 18 to locking and unlocked positions, and the same manner as if operated by digitally engaging one or the other of the end caps 3636 to shift the slide.

It will also be appreciated that the outer door pull 2 may be varied as to its configuration and design without having to provide changes in the actual actuating mechanism associated therewith.

As previously explained, the securing screws 42 operate to retain the exterior door pull 24 in operative position, and the housing 25. Any conventional means may be utilized for securing the cover 46 in position on the housing. Securement may be simply accomplished by providing retaining headless screws 7ii71, as shown in FIG. 5, these screws having threaded engagement in a side wall of the cover and extending into receiving recesses 7272 formed in the side wall of the housing, preferably at the positions of the ribs 30 and 31.

Various modifications may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of my invention and, hence, I do not Wish to be restricted to the specific forms shown or uses mentioned, except to the extent indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a movable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate housing fixedly mounted on and extending along an outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said movable operating member;

(b) an elongate digitally movable actuator member supported in said housing for selective longitudinal movements to locking and unlocking positions, said actuator member having finger engageable portions respectively adjacent the housing ends for effecting said selective movements;

(0) a motion transmitting connection between said actuator member and said operating member extending through said stile wall; and

(d) a removably attached closing cover for said housing including a digitally engageable pull member for use in opening and closing the door.

2. Actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a movable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate housing fixedly mounted on and extending along an outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said movable operating member;

(b) elongate actuator means supported in said housing for axial selective movements in opposite directions to locking and unlocking positions, said means having digitally engageable opposite end portions extending from opposite ends of said housing;

(0) a motion transmitting connection between said actuator means and said operating member extending through said stile wall; and

(d) cover means removably aifixed to said housing providing a pull member extending lengthwise of said housing for use in opening and closing the door.

3. Actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a rotatable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate channel-like housing fixedly mounted with its open side outward and a bottom wall on and extending along an outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said rotatable operating member;

(b) an elongate plate member slidably supported in said housing for selective longitudinal movements in opposite directions to locking and unlocking positions, said member having its opposite ends projecting beyond said housing for manual engagement to effect said movements;

(c) a motion transmitting connection between said plate member and said operating member including a spindle extending through registered openingsin said walls and having a crank and slot connection with said plate member; and

(d) a removably attached closing cover for the open side of said housing including a digitally engageable pull member for use in opening and closing the door.

4. Actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a movable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) a digitally engageable pull member for use in opening and closing the door, said pull member being mounted on an outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said operating member;

(b) key-controlled lock actuating means including a key cylinder rotatably supported in a housing and having a key receiving end positioned in an opening in said pull member;

(c) means for locating and retaining said housing in an operating position within the stile member including a part clamped against rotation between the pull member and adjacent said outer wall face of the door stile, and another part extending inwardly from said first part to the interior of said stile and being engaga'ble with a portion of said housing so as to retain it against rotation and movements in the direction of the axis of said key cylinder; and

(d) a motion transmitting connection between said key cylinder and said operating member.

5. Actuator mechanism for the locking element of a lock mounted between saide faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a movable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) a digitally engageable pull member for use in opening and closing the door, said pull member being mounted on an outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said operating member;

(b) a key-controlled lock actuating unit including a housing having a cylindrical port-ion rotatably supporting a key cylinder having a key receiving end positioned in an opening in said pull member, and an elongate radial portion extending along a side of the cylindrical portion for the lock tumblers;

(c) bracket means for locating and retaining said housing in an operative position within the stile member including a fiat plate portion retained against rotation between the pull member and adjacent said wall face of the door stile, said plate portion having an opening for receiving said housing endwise therethrough, and a U-shaped stirrup portion extending rearwardly from said plate portion to the stile interior for receiving the elongate side portion therein; and

(d) a motion transmitting connection between said key cylinder and said operating member.

6. Dual actuator mechanism for the lock-ing element of a lock mounted between side faces of a narrow tubular stile frame member of a sliding door, said lock including a rotatable operating member connecting with the locking element, said mechanism comprising:

(a) an elongate housing fixedly mounted on and extending along a first outer wall face of the door stile in proximity to said rotatable operating member, said housing including a part providing a pull for use in opening and closing the door;

(b) an elongate plate member slidably supported in said housing for selective axial movements in opposite directions to locking and unlocking positions along an axis positioned outwardly of said outer wall face, said member having its opposite ends projecting beyond said housing for digital engagement to effect said movements;

(c) a second pull member mounted on an outer wall face of said door stile opposite said first wall face; (d) key-controlled lock actuating means including a key cylinder having a key receiving end positioned in an opening in said second pull member; and

(e) motion transmitting connections respectively between said plate member and said operating member, and between said plate member and said key cylinder, each of said connections including a spindle having a crank and slot connection with said plate member positioned outwardly of said first wall face.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,207,878 7/1940 Schlage -370 3,011,330 12/1961 Eads 70100 3,025,693 3/1962 Braginetz 70-100 3,046,776 7/ 1962 Marotto et al. 3,120,748 2/ 1964 -Rechberg 70'100 MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner.

BOBBY R. GAY, Examiner.

E. I. MCCARTHY, Assistant Examiner. 

